Changes in the Characteristics of Physiotherapy Students in New South Wales over the Decade 1976-1986

Responses to a survey comparing the backgrounds and career attitudes of incoming physiotherapy students in 1976 and 1986 indicated that female students in 1986 were more ambitious, more committed to full time careers, attached greater importance to professional recognition, pay and promotion, had more egalitarian attitudes toward women's role, had fewer romantic attachments and wanted fewer children. Responses of male students in 1986 revealed that they were older than women students, were somewhat more ambitious and conservative and were more concerned with their surroundings and freedom at work.